From The Show: Banjos Lost and Found: Don Vappie & Nickel Creek

Banjos Lost and Found: Don Vappie & Nickel Creek

An encore presentation from the American Routes archives: Since the earliest blues and minstrel tunes to clawhammer bluegrass and forward to traditional jazz and newgrass, the banjo has been a part of American music. This week we recall our visit with Creole jazzman Don Vappie and hear how the instrument is used in New Orleans traditional jazz. And feel the zeitgeist in our interview back when with San Diego-based Nickel Creek during a live set about building onto their bluegrass base and moving beyond--which they have all surely done since.

American Routes Live on New Year's

Ring in the new year with some of our favorite live music. We'll have a set from New Orleans' trumpet player, Kermit Ruffins with an all-star Crescent City band featuring vocalist Thais Clark. Lafayette, Louisiana's Pine Leaf Boys bring rock and roll energy to their own version of traditional Cajun music. Step into a holiday soiree of reels, jigs and waltzes by French fiddlers in Westbrook, Maine. And pull up a set for a club set from singer and banjo player Don Vappie and the Creole Jazz Serenaders. It's a festive set of live music that will keep you swinging well into 2012.

American Routes Live on New Year's

Ring in the new year with some of our favorite live music. We'll have a set from New Orleans' trumpet player, Kermit Ruffins with an all-star Crescent City band featuring vocalist Thais Clark. Lafayette, Louisiana's Pine Leaf Boys bring rock and roll energy to their own version of traditional Cajun music. Step into a holiday soiree of reels, jigs and waltzes by French fiddlers in Westbrook, Maine. And pull up a set for a club set from singer and banjo player Don Vappie and the Creole Jazz Serenaders. It's a festive set of live music that will keep you swinging well into 2009.

Banjos Lost and Found: Don Vappie & Nickel Creek

From the earliest blues and minstrel tunes to clawhammer bluegrass and forward to newgrass, the banjo has been a part of American music. This week we visit with New Orleans Creole jazzman Don Vappie and hear how the instrument is used in New Orleans traditional jazz. And feel the zeitgeist as San Diego-based Nickel Creek come by for a live set and talk about building onto their bluegrass base and moving beyond.

American Routes Live on New Year's

Ring in the new year with some of our favorite live music from 2007. We'll have a set from New Orleans' trumpet player Kermit Ruffins, joined by an all-star Crescent City band featuring vocalist Thais Clark. Lafayette, Louisiana's Pine Leaf Boys bring rock and roll energy to their own version of traditional Cajun music. Step into a holiday soiree of reels, jigs and waltzes by French fiddlers in Westbrook, Maine. And pull up a seat for a club set from singer and banjo player Don Vappie and the Creole Jazz Serenaders. It's a festive set of live music that will keep you swinging well into 2008.

Banjos Lost and Found: Don Vappie & Nickel Creek

From the earliest blues and minstrel tunes to clawhammer bluegrass and forward to newgrass, the banjo has been a part of American music. This week we visit with New Orleans Creole jazzman Don Vappie and hear how the instrument is used in New Orleans traditional jazz. And feel the zeitgeist as San Diego-based Nickel Creek come by for a live set and talk about building onto their bluegrass base and moving beyond.

Banjos Lost and Found: Don Vappie & Nickel Creek

From the earliest blues and minstrel tunes to clawhammer bluegrass and forward to newgrass, the banjo has been a part of American music. This week we visit with New Orleans Creole jazzman Don Vappie and hear how the instrument is used in New Orleans traditional jazz. And feel the zeitgeist as San Diego-based Nickel Creek come by for a live set and talk about building onto their bluegrass base and moving beyond.